James Leslie “Buddy” Potts, age 84, of Shelbyville, TN passed from this life late Tuesday evening, December 29, 2020, at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital.  

Born August 12, 1936, in Shelbyville, TN, he was the son of Charles L. and May Amanda Walls Potts and is preceded in death by: brother, Leonard Potts; and sisters, Mary Stanley, and Martha Isom. 

Buddy graduated from Unionville High School class of 1954. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force then started his 40+ year career in Automotive Sales. In his free time he loved to play golf. He was a scratch player that competed in Pro-Am tournaments and later in life Senior Pro-Am. He attended First Christian Church and Faith Baptist Church.

He is survived by: his wife, Dorene Bowman Potts; children, James (Marsha) Potts, Robert (Tanya) Potts all of Shelbyville; and Andrea (Scott) Smith of Winchester; grandchildren, Jennifer (Marty) Barr, Kayla (Ryan) Rogers, Mary Katherine Potts, Chris Potts, Rebekah Potts, Mark Potts, Kara Potts, Ethan Smith and Anna Marie Smith; great grandchildren, Rhett, and Ryker Rogers, Kassi Yon, and Kirsti Barr; also 2 great great grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or by mail: 501 St. Jude Pl. Memphis, TN.

A private graveside service will be held.

Doak-Howell Funeral Home is serving the family.